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Date:
County:
Acres: |
June 2005
Pima
10,000 purchase; 27,000
10-year lease |
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Santa Lucia
The Santa Lucia transaction - the result of four years of negotiation to which the Trust was instrumental - is the largest private land purchase by Pima County in its history, encompassing more than 10,000 acres of outright purchase and nearly 30,000 of grazing leases. It includes the protection of water rights, and assures the survival of this very substantial, unfragmented landscape in the stunning Altar Valley, an area experiencing unprecedented growth pressure.
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Date:
County:
Acres: |
June 2005
Pinal
260 |
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Carpenter Ranch
The Trust negotiated the acquisition of the Carpenter Ranch, which is adjacent to the existing Pima County preserve north of Tortolita Mountain Park. Protection of this property contributes to the County’s 200-acre parcel known as Cochie Spring, which contains an historic ranch site, a spring, and riparian area. Acquisition of the Carpenter Ranch expands the conservation area of the 3,445-acre Tortolita Mountain Park and protects the dense vegetation found within Cottonwood Canyon and Bass Canyon. The Tortolita Mountains are home to several wildlife species, including a large number of bird species, mountain lion, javalina, mule deer, and several types of lizards.
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Date:
County:
Acres: |
Various
Pima
1,477 |
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Canoa Ranch
In 2001 the Arizona Open Land Trust, working closely with Pima County, conserved approximately 1,500 acres of the historic Canoa Ranch as permanent open space and wildlife habitat. Long known for its beauty, historic structures and colorful past, Canoa lands offer significant wildlife movement corridors through several washes that cross the property. The historic De Anza Trail runs right through the property along the Santa Cruz River. The Madera Wash links Canoa Ranch and the Santa Cruz River corridor to the Nogales Ranger District of the Colorado National Forest and the Demetrie and Esperanza Washes link the Canoa Ranch to the Sierrita Mountains.
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Date:
County:
Acres: |
August 2005
Pima
366 |
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Madera Highlands
The Madera Highlands property was acquired to protect the Altar Wash floodplain and to protect landscape connectivity throughout the Altar Valley. The property provides habitat for the federally endangered Pima Pineapple Cactus and is adjacent to the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Scenic vistas of the Baboquivari Mountains, Coyote Mountains Wilderness Area, Cerro Colorado and Sierrita Mountains are protected with this acquisition.
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Date:
County:
Acres: |
February 2005
Pima
160 |
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Brawley Wash
Sensitive riparian habitat along a tributary to the Brawley Wash in the Avra Valley west of the Tucson Mountains is protected in perpetuity. This acquisition preserves landscape connectivity, providing a linkage critical for wildlife dispersal and survival. The landscape linkage along the tributaries to the Brawley Wash ultimately link up with the Santa Cruz River.
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Date:
County:
Acres: |
September 2002
Pima
500 |
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Buckelew
The Arizona Open Land Trust, in partnership with Pima County, protected a portion of the Buckelew Family lands (located just three miles west of Three Points), a keystone acquisition that will help protect the entire Altar Valley and aid in the restoration of the Brawley Wash. Dr. William Shaw, Chair of the Science and Technical Advisory Team for the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan and Arizona Open Land Trust Board member says: "As we begin to build the conservation system envisioned by the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, this property is important to protect."
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Date:
County:
Acres: |
August 2005
Pima
43 |
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Los Morteros
At the northern end of the Tucson Mountains lies an area known as Los Morteros. Rich in habitat, historical and cultural resources and scenic quality, Pima County residents have earmarked this region for protection for decades. The peaks of the Los Morteros area are highly visible to eastbound travelers on Interstate 10 as they approach metropolitan Tucson. In addition, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service has identified this area as a corridor for the federally endangered cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl. The Arizona Open Land Trust has protected two parcels in the area and continues to work with landowners to acquire this land that is highly visible, boasts rich cultural resources and has high habitat value.
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Date:
County:
Acres: |
Jan 2000, March 2004, Jan 2006
Pima
1,014 |
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Tucson Mountain Park – Robles Pass, Jacobs, Belvedere
In 2000 the Trust acquired two parcels comprising 750-acres to add to Tucson Mountain Park,the largest single addition to the Park since its 1928 inception. In 2004 the Trust protected an additional 80 acres, connecting the Park to the Santa Cruz River corridor. The Trust is working to protect additional nearby open space to enhance this wildlife corridor. Protection of the 36th Street Corridor adjacent to Tucson Mountain Park has been expanded to include the Belvedere Estates, providing a trail that links the 36th Street Trailhead to the Park. The property contains an Important Riparian Area that supports palo verde trees and mixed cacti. Maintaining this property as open space is past of an ongoing conservation efforts throughout the watershed of the West Branch of the Santa Cruz River.
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Date:
County:
Acres: |
October 2004 and August 2005
Pima
238 |
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Agua Verde Creek
The Trust has protected 238 acres of important riparian habitat near the southern foothills of the Rincon Mountains along the Agua Verde Creek. Acquisition of this mesquite dominated riparian woodland and one-mile segment of the Agua Verde Creek protects habitat for seven bird and mammal species at risk of extinction in Pima County
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Date:
County:
Acres: |
August 2006
Pima
3,332 |
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Six Bar Ranch
The Arizona Open Land Trust announces the purchase and the permanent protection of 3332 acres of priority conservation area and riparian habitat along Edgar Canyon. Edgar Canyon is an important tributary to the San Pedro River in northeastern Pima County, joining the San Pedro three miles south of the Pinal County line and about 32 miles north of I-10 at Benson.
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Date:
County:
Acres: |
July 2007
Cochise
960 |
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The Forty Seven Ranch
The Arizona Open Land Trust announces the permanent protection of 960 acres of the 47 Ranch, a working ranch in the Hay Mountain Watershed in Cochise County. Bordering both Mexico and New Mexico, Cochise County has long and rich history, and, despite the proliferation of ranchettes, has remained largely rural, keeping much of its historic appeal and western character.
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Date:
County:
Acres: |
October 2006
Pima
505 |
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Bucks-Kin Farm
Working together, the Buckelew family, Pima County and the Trust forged an agreement that permanently removes the threat of development on the Bucks-Kin Farm, a 505-acre working farm in the heart of the AltarValley. Because the property abuts a long stretch of the Brawley Wash, this transaction is especially vital to the Trust’s work to protect wildlife habitat and water quality. It also allows the Buckelew family to continue the popular annual Pumpkin Festival, a treasured southern Arizona tradition.
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Date:
County:
Acres: |
June 2008
Pima
290 |
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Cochie Canyon
On June 19th the Arizona Open Land Trust and Pima County announced the protection of 290 acres of Cochie Canyon in the Tortolita Mountains. This project is the culmination of several years of conversations between the landowner and the Trust. The landowner’s commitment to protecting the property spans decades, and through our discussions with her and with Pima County we were able to craft a conservation solution that fits the needs of both parties and this remarkable land.
